| Sport: | football |
| Year: | 1981 |
| Team: | Minnesota Golden Gophers |
| Conference: | Big Ten Conference |
| Short Conf: | Big Ten |
| Record: | 6–5 |
| Conf Record: | 4–5 |
| Hc Year: | 3rd |
The 1981 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team represented the University of Minnesota in the 1981 Big Ten Conference football season. In their third year under head coach Joe Salem, the Golden Gophers compiled a 6–5 record and outscored their opponents by a combined total of 274 to 264.[1] It was the final season in Memorial Stadium. Quarterback Mike Hohensee received the team's Most Valuable Player award, while flanker Chester Cooper was named offensive MVP, and linebacker Jim Fahnhorst was named the defensive MVP. Fahnhorst and offensive tackle Ken Dallafior were named All-Big Ten first team. Cooper, offensive lineman Bill Humphries, defensive end Karl Mecklenburg, and defensive lineman Fred Orgas were named All-Big Ten second team. Defensive lineman Brent Harms and Fred Orgas, free safety Mike Robb, and safety Rick Witthus were named Academic All-Big Ten.
Several Minnesota players ranked among the Big Ten leaders, including the following:
Total attendance for the season was 301,248, which averaged to 43,035. The season high for attendance was against Michigan.
See also: 1981 Oregon State Beavers football team.
See also: 1981 Ohio State Buckeyes football team.
The loss overshadowed a record-setting day for Mike Hohensee and Chester Cooper. Hohensee set the single season school records for completions and passing yardage while Chester Cooper broke the single season school record for receiving yardage.[4]